The last time an ACC player of the year was primarily a defensive option was 2001, when Maryland linebacker E.J. Henderson carried the voting. No defensive player has earned 10 votes in the player of the year balloting since Virginia’s Chris Long in 2007.

Fortunately, there is a defensive player of the year honor.

Only two of the defenders who received votes in last year’s balloting (Duke’s Ross Cockrell and Florida State’s Lamarcus Joyner, with one vote apiece) are back this season. However, there are some early candidates to emerge as contenders for the honor this fall.

DE Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets shift from a 3-4 to a 4-3 this season, and that means Attaochu moves from outside linebacker to defensive end. His pass rushing credentials are solid after a 10-sack season as a junior.

The three-year starter will be an important piece of Georgia Tech’s defensive puzzle as it attempts to shore up an area of instability in recent years. The Yellow Jackets have allowed at least 5.5 yards per play in four consecutive years, and a strong season from Attaochu will move things in the right direction.

DT Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh: The Panthers’ frequent backfield visitor rolled up 18.5 tackles for loss last season and 34.5 over the last two years. As a defensive tackle, this is not especially easy to do. Oddly, he was not picked for the preseason all-ACC team.

It’s safe to assume he will make his presence known in his new league, starting perhaps as early as Labor Day when Pitt plays host to vaunted Florida State in its season opener.

LB Christian Jones, Florida State: One of two Seminole defenders who will be a third-year starter, Jones led Florida State in tackles last season and is the only returning starter in the front seven.

Despite the exodus of talent, Florida State will still be strong on defense. Jones’ name recognition, talent and statistics will make him a viable defensive player of the year candidate. If he can toss in a signature play or two, he could be one of the award’s frontrunners.

CB Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State: Joyner moves over from safety, where he started the last two years and was an all-ACC selection last season. He won’t roll up the sort of numbers Jones will, but he could find himself matched up against a plethora of quality receivers this season, including Clemson’s Sammy Watkins, Maryland’s Stefon Diggs and Wake Forest’s Michael Campanaro.

Joyner is, though, working against the historical trend. The only ACC defensive player of the year to come from the secondary in the award’s 20-year history was Virginia’s Anthony Poindexter in 1998.

DE Kareem Martin, North Carolina: For all of Butch Davis’ problems at North Carolina, he was exceptionally good at identifying and collecting defensive talent. While the Tar Heels are now two years removed from Davis’ firing, they are still benefiting from his recruiting efforts.

Martin is coming off a junior season in which he had 15.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and eight quarterback hurries and will again be a major component in North Carolina’s defense.

LB Jack Tyler, Virginia Tech: Of the six ACC players who managed 100 tackles last season, Tyler is the only one back for this season. He was also a first team all-conference pick as a junior.

So he’s got name recognition and counting stats going in his favor, and his presence in the middle of the traditionally stout Hokies’ defense doesn’t hurt, either. If he stays healthy and Virginia Tech is in the hunt for the Coastal Division crown as it usually is, he’ll have a chance to become the first Hokie to earn ACC defensive player of the year honors.